I can't take credit for the idea (I think it was Jimmy Hunt's), but regardless I like it too.KTM Mike said:... I like Smit Dogs idea of some sort of "moving up to the Sunday events" incentive - be it financial or otherwise. (I admit my bias - one of my kids is a good move up candidate within the next couple years). Hey - how about this idea - I base this on a comment Mitch made to me - he said if he did a Sunday event, he would not want to do the Saturday event - just to much for a newbie to take on racing both days. His concern was that then negatively impacting FES standings. So what if a kid is doing the FES series, but forgoes a race to enter on Sunday - give them some FES points?
how, by stealing your bike? :rotfl:WomanRider said:No, my daughter wants to beat me. She can't when she follows me into the checks, then we are only a few seconds from each other. Unfortunately for me, she figured out how to beat me.
i agree they did it right, we left here at 1am saturday morning and arrived at the staging area at 8am (after getting some McDs breakfast first ;) ) and got a few hours of sleep and then were able to signup and ride. a late keytime would be good as long as both staging areas are in the same spot.Smit-Dog said:Strongly agree... Minimum 10-11am key time. Distance is also a factor.... the Mini Moose does it right with a 1pm key time. Scoring / results can be processed faster these days, but I also need time to unload, haul, setup (and sometimes troubleshoot) equipment, find and train volunteers, etc. AND get signed-up. I think the clubs would also have a slightly better turnout with a later keytime.
KTM Mike said:Wow - what a great thread! What I really like is the "spirit" of the FES events does not seem to be forgotten! A ton of valid points being made here. A few thoughts..
1) I love the vintage class idea (gee...wonder who suggested it? ;)
2) Ride on Sunday - no points for Saturday. But...would not want to see someone who maybe gives a Sunday event a shot and finds out they are not ready for it, be prevented from doing the FES events in the future. Not sure how to accomplish that.
3) Also agree with limiting trophies in the mens "adult" classes
4) Really think its a great idea to have the little kids to the latest rows.
5) Should limit to strictly 1 "P" rider per "FES" participant (regardless of age..like others have said - just because you are older does not mean you dont need support on the trail!) If not a P rider, must be an X rider...and ALL X riders should go out well before the "competing" riders.
6) The passing topic is a tough one - one one hand, I can see a parent's reluctance to expose their little kid to a pass by a more agressive rider...but...I have seen instances where I swear a "P" rider really seemed to be deliberately "blocking" other riders from passing (and the kid they were with was not a real young one). Some expanded discussion of trail etiquitte really might be good at the riders meeting.
7) I think timekeeping should be part of the FES series - I really would hate to see all of them go to restart format. We need someway to pass down the "art" of timekeeping (not that I have it!)
8) I like Smit Dogs idea of some sort of "moving up to the Sunday events" incentive - be it financial or otherwise. (I admit my bias - one of my kids is a good move up candidate within the next couple years). Hey - how about this idea - I base this on a comment Mitch made to me - he said if he did a Sunday event, he would not want to do the Saturday event - just to much for a newbie to take on racing both days. His concern was that then negatively impacting FES standings. So what if a kid is doing the FES series, but forgoes a race to enter on Sunday - give them some FES points?
9) What about a set of published rules to hand out to participants? Include in that document some timekeeping basics, some info on etiquitte for passing etc.
9) This FES series is one fantastic thing - lets keep it rolling!
Smit-Dog said:Suggestions for passing at FES events:
1) Rev engine to let them know you're there. Some riders simply can't hear a bike behind them unless you're really reving it within close range, e.g., 5 feet.
2) Make a clean pass on a two track, field, right after road crossing, etc.
3) Look for alternate lines while drafting rider ahead of you. Be ready for a quick decision and pass.
4) Tactfully talk to the slower riders at resets and gas stops about passing.
5) Reward proper etiquette by thanking the riders that pull over.
6) Even with all that, remember it's only for fun and plastic trophies... error on the side of safety.
This was brought up at the last FES rider's meeting, but I'll include a note about it on the sign-up flyer as well.
Sounds like some of the FES riders need to be educated.WomanRider said:Number 1 above works if you have a two stroke, but it does not work for my XR. Neither does yelling.
This so very true!UP Magoo said:FWIW, I'll add my .02 -->
I am in full support of keeping the FUN in the FES (I prefer to call them Kid's Enduros).
I'm shocked at the lack of cooperation at the Kids events.
I think these events are becoming MUCH too competitive. IMO, the emphasis should be on FUN and LEARNING, not on competition. If you want to emphasize competition, C Class at an enduro isn't any harder than most FES Events.
Trophies and year end awards should be for participants under the age of 18 ONLY. If you're over 18 and competing in an FES event, it should be for the learning experience that it is meant for. Maybe the top finishers in age 16+ classes should be mandated to go to C Class (like regular enduro riders get promoted from C to B and from B to A).
Tom Jr, I see that you are leading the 2007 J class {20-29} and you do ride the Sundays events in the "B" open class. Does your post above include your forfeiting the FES points as well to "Keeping it real" in the FES?TJC510 said:Keep it a FAMILY event, not just a kids or youth event. allow and encourage familys to ride together. id allow the AMA enduro riders to ride and race, ie: keep time and still get scored, but they do not need points or trophies. if they are good enough they will get them sunday.
the main reason i did not ride X for the few i did was to learn timekeeping. last year i only run a few enduros and all i had was a watch and a route sheet. i have learned quite a bit running the FES, i could have run the C class on sunday, but im not a C rider. it was nice to be able to compare scores to my family members as i improved my timekeeping and they improved their riding.
just my .02, TJ
forfeiting my points would not bother me. i rode at the matthews FES with my sister as a "P" rider as i do not want anymore points. ive been trying to get my friend (who is in second place) to go to one more and pass me in points. i will be at roselawn this weekend riding "X" or "P" again as well.Wolverine423 said:Tom Jr, I see that you are leading the 2007 J class {20-29} and you do ride the Sundays events in the "B" open class. Does your post above include your forfeiting the FES points as well to "Keeping it real" in the FES?
By the way it’s good to see big family’s like yours and the Soekensons supporting the FES!
DW
TJC510 said:forfeiting my points would not bother me. iQUOTE]
Good for you! Now that's keeping it real! :cool: Maybe some others will see your example and follow suit.
DW
Smit-Dog said:Another thought on FES riders considering a Sunday ride: Allow the older kids (16+) to work an FES event (marking trail, working a check, pulling arrows) for FES worker points (finish average, not 1st place points) IF they ride the Sunday event that same weekend.
Not trying to create more rules or make it more complicated, just trying to address some concerns of current FES riders who are considering, but are hesitant, to ride the Sunday event. Also agree that it'd be average finish for worker points.Fred T said:It's an interesting thought and has positive intentions but I feel that the series has enough help especially when it's the Sat before a Sunday race-helpers are sometimes easy to find. If some one wants to try a Sunday ride and not ride Sat I guess it has some merit but will most likely be on a limited basis i'll bet. I don not think they should get first place points if they work though because the series will most likely be smaller in 2008. Maybe only 1 drop. Once the series schedule is developed they would have to get their "worker points request" in to Mr Maurer for his determination of elgibility I would guess.
I don't know I hate to see such a simple and fun series become more complicated with more and more rules...it's just for fun, to bring familys out to ride and build the sport. I thank Mike for his vision and hard work to build up the sport. :cool:
Smit-Dog said:Another thought on FES riders considering a Sunday ride: Allow the older kids (16+) to work an FES event (marking trail, working a check, pulling arrows) for FES worker points (finish average, not 1st place points) IF they ride the Sunday event that same weekend.
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